Rising Stars of the Profession: Tatiana Callens

Tatiana is a Senior Manager in EY's Wealth Management Strategy and Business Transformation practice based in New York. She has over nine years of experience in the Financial Services industry, working with major financial institutions in the US and South America focused on strategic planning, business & operational model definition and transformation solution delivery.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

It has been five years since I moved from Argentina to join EY's Wealth Practice in New York. I remember being excited about the opportunity to work in the "financial belly button" of the world and learn "a few things" while playing alongside the big leagues. Yes, some of our clients have more assets under management than the GDP of my country, but how different could it be? Little did I know I was standing in front of one of the most enriching challenges. From personal challenges of meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures – not to mention the talent – but professional challenges, participating in projects that move the needle and helping clients broaden their access to financial inclusion.

What advice would you give a professional just beginning a career in consulting?

Have fun being uncomfortable! In consulting, you learn and grow all the time, not only because of the dynamic nature of the profession of being exposed to different projects, teams and clients, but also because of the exponential growth the career path has to offer. After a year in the space, you start guiding interns; after two years, you become responsible for many aspects of the engagement, and in five years, you get to lead those engagements. This means that most of the time you are in some way or another outside your comfort zone. Don't get too comfortable and have fun while you do it!

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

Consulting has a very particular magic to it because it is never stale. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and every project means a new client to work with, a new team to learn from and a new problem to solve – all operating under an industry that continues to shift its rules, reposition its players and evolve its idiosyncrasy. Throughout the years, as one deepens consulting expertise on defined spaces, no single project, client, or team will ever be identical to the other, which keeps the learning curve steep and leaves no time to get bored.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

We cannot go at it alone. We perform and deliver in our engagements as a team because it is fundamental to what we do. Involve the team in decisions, be direct and always have each other's back. True team effort always wins.

What does being honored as a Rising Star mean to you?

I am truly grateful to be a part of my team and would not be here if it wasn't for the people I've met along the way and those who have shaped me to become who I am today. Having moved countries, leaving my parents, sister and friends – I consider this team a family and core to who I am. This is also a recognition to the talented and thoughtful individuals who have guided me and continue to teach me every day.